A 120-year-old bell with links to one of South Africa's historic Anglican theological institutions has rung out for the first time in 33 years at Holy Angels Anglican Church in Raisethorpe, Pietermaritzburg. The bell was cast in 1906 by Mears & Stainbank of London and originally belonged to St Peter's Theological College in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. Church warden Shane Pillay said it was used to call students and clergy to prayer, mass, lectures and communal activities.
The bell has had a long and eventful journey, travelling with St Peter's Theological College to various locations in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. In 1963, it moved to Alice in the Eastern Cape, then to Mthatha in 1975, Edendale in Pietermaritzburg in 1976, and finally to Imbali in 1980. The seminary closed in 1993, and the bell was rescued and secured with the help of Holy Angels members. In 1995, ownership was formally transferred to the church.
Holy Angels Anglican Church has a rich history dating back to 1942, when Catherine Ferero started a Sunday school in her home. Young families in Raisethorpe and Northdale struggled to travel to St Luke's Mission Church in Boshoff Street, prompting Ferero to take action. On June 10, 1951, the first in a series of monthly evensongs was held at her home, marking the beginning of the church's journey.
The church's land was purchased in 1946 for £200, and on November 24, 1951, Bishop Inman laid the foundation stone. The building was completed in May 1952, and the space that is currently the hall was established. The name Holy Angels Anglican Church was inspired by Father Alston's meditation before communion on a Sunday, reflecting on angels worshipping around the altar of St Luke's.
The congregation operated as a chapel of St Luke's until 1965, when it was attached to St Paul's Mission Church. As the congregation grew and outgrew its premises, plans were made to construct the present church in August 1984. The new church was consecrated by Bishop Alfred Mkhize on September 29, 1985 — the Feast of St Michael and All Angels.
Holy Angels Anglican Church became an independent parish on May 1, 1990. The church has continued to grow and thrive, and 2026 marks 75 years since the laying of the church's foundation stone, adding to the significance of this year's celebrations. The ringing of the 120-year-old bell is a poignant reminder of the church's rich history and heritage.
The bell's restoration and reinstallation have been a significant undertaking for the church, and its ringing out for the first time in 33 years is a momentous occasion. Church warden Shane Pillay said the bell carried with it more than a century of South African Anglican history, and its return to regular use is a fitting tribute to the church's enduring legacy.
Key points
- The 120-year-old bell has links to St Peter's Theological College in Rosettenville, Johannesburg.
- Holy Angels Anglican Church has a rich history dating back to 1942.
- The church is marking 75 years since its foundation stone was laid, with 2026 set to be a significant year in its celebrations.
